President Obama today is expected to announce his nomination of Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy to lead the agency, and Dr. Ernest Moniz to be secretary of Department of Energy.

Following is a statement from Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council about Gina McCarthy:

“Gina McCarthy knows what it means to protect our air, water, land and health and stand up to the growing threats we’re seeing from climate change.

“She's a good listener, a straight shooter and someone who has what it takes to build consensus and find solutions. We can count on her to protect our environment and our health. And she can count on our support as she works to get the job done on behalf of Americans everywhere.'

Following is a statement from Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council about Professor Moniz:

“This is good news. Professor Moniz has the hands-on experience and the expertise needed to help further the climate and energy goals our country urgently needs.

“His background, coupled with his long history of constructive engagement with, and at, the Energy Department, will serve the American people well. We look forward to working with him to advance a clean energy future based on efficiency and renewable power.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 1.3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Livingston, Montana, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.